“Extortionist,” “Blackmailer” Tag: Afenyo-Markin and NPP Minority Must Be Worried

It has been about 48 hours since the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana GoldBod, Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi, made damaging allegations against no less a person than the Minority Leader of Ghana’s biggest opposition political party, who also doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Effutu Constituency, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin. Ghanaians are yet to see or hear that a lawsuit has been served on the GoldBod CEO.

For those who think this is a mere allegation that should be swept under the carpet, they need to rethink. Why? It borders on defamation of the Minority Leader’s character. His reputation and integrity have been called into question. No leader whose reputation or integrity has suffered irreparable damage is fit to lead. He must either clear his name to enable him to remain in his position or continue to wear the badge of shame, with the people he leads being seen as a non-serious group.

Afenyo-Markin is not an ordinary citizen. He is a lawyer, an MP who represents thousands of Ghanaians in his constituency, a politician and, above all, the leader of the Minority MPs in Ghana’s Parliament. He cannot call for accountability in government and suddenly feign disinterest simply because his alleged ugly side has been exposed.

This is a man who was quick to sue his opponent in the 2020 general elections, James Kofi Annan, for allegedly claiming that he suspected Afenyo-Markin’s involvement in a malicious scheme to deposit GH¢100,000 into James Annan’s bank account with the aim of falsely incriminating him in 2020.

On this basis, Afenyo-Markin filed a defamation suit against James Annan at the Winneba District Court, presided over by His Worship Isaac Oheneba Kuffuor. The court ruled in favour of Afenyo-Markin on August 28, 2020, stating that James Annan’s statement was defamatory.

As part of the court’s judgment, the defendant was ordered to publish a retraction and an unqualified apology on prominent media platforms, including JOY TV, ADOM TV, UTV and relevant online media portals. Additionally, he was directed to pay damages and costs amounting to GH¢25,000.

Today, it is quite shocking that such an opportunity has presented itself again, yet Afenyo-Markin appears to be running away from the courts, asking Sammy Gyamfi instead to swear on the Quran, Bible or by the gods.

Integrity is important everywhere and in every sphere. However, in the legal profession, it is a non-negotiable trait. Reputation is one of the most critical assets for lawyers, directly influencing their courtroom success, client acquisition and career longevity. For leaders, the supreme quality is unquestionable integrity, according to Dwight D. Eisenhower.

This is why it is important for Afenyo-Markin to go to court, as he did in his case against James Kofi Annan in 2020. He needs to restore his reputation and integrity if he is to continue leading the Minority and practising as a lawyer.

And for the NPP, which still wants to have the trust of Ghanaians, it is up to the party to ensure that its leader clears his name. Otherwise, no one will take them seriously.

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